2 Boxelder Maple Tree Bare-root – Acer Negundo – Landscaping Plant

Overview

Introduce a robust and rapidly growing addition to your landscape with the boxelder maple tree bare-root. This offering includes 2 bare-root specimens of the Acer Negundo tree, an excellent choice for those seeking a native, fast-growing shade tree. The Boxelder Maple, also commonly known as Ash-leaved Maple, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Maple Family (Aceraceae) and is native to North America. It stands out among maples for its distinctive compound leaves, which give it a resemblance to ash trees, hence one of its common names. These trees typically grow to an impressive 20 meters tall, forming a broad, rounded crown that provides ample shade in a relatively short period. Ideal for various soil types and conditions, the Acer Negundo tree is a versatile plant for establishing a naturalized look or for quick canopy development in your garden or property.

The Boxelder Maple develops a shallow, fibrous root system and features light gray-brown bark that starts with shallow fissures and deepens with age. Its twigs are slender, shiny green, and can be glabrous or slightly hairy. The leaves are opposite, measuring 13-20 cm long, and are pinnately compound with 3 to 5 (or more) leaflets, each 5-10 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. These leaflets are long-pointed, coarsely toothed, and often shallowly lobed. The flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green, about 5 mm long, with male and female flowers typically appearing on separate trees, making the species essentially dioecious. Fruits are characteristic winged nutlets (samaras), 2.5-4 cm long, clustered in pairs on long stalks. A boxelder maple tree bare-root kit is an economical and effective way to establish this beneficial species.

Key Benefits

The boxelder maple tree bare-root offers a multitude of benefits for both the gardener and the environment. Its rapid growth and adaptability make it a popular choice for various landscaping needs.

• Fast Growth Rate: Boxelder Maples are renowned for their exceptionally fast growth, allowing you to establish a substantial tree and enjoy its benefits much sooner than many other tree species. This makes it an ideal choice if you need quick shade or a rapid screen.
• Adaptability and Hardiness: This tree is incredibly tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils, and can withstand both drought and occasional flooding once established. Its robust nature makes it an excellent option for challenging environments.
• Wildlife Habitat: The Boxelder Maple provides valuable food and shelter for various wildlife. Its seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals, and the tree itself can serve as a nesting site, contributing to local biodiversity.
• Erosion Control: With its fibrous root system, the Acer Negundo tree can help stabilize soil, making it useful for erosion control, especially on slopes or along waterways.
• Unique Foliage: Unlike most maples, the Boxelder boasts compound leaves, adding a distinctive texture and appearance to your landscape. This unique feature can provide visual interest and contrast with other plants.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, boxelder tree care is relatively minimal. It’s a tough tree that doesn’t demand constant attention, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those looking for a hands-off approach.
• Urban Tolerance: This species shows good tolerance to urban pollution and compacted soils, making it a viable option for city parks, street plantings, and other urban environments where many trees struggle.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Proper boxelder tree care ensures a healthy and thriving plant that will quickly establish itself in your landscape. As a bare-root plant, immediate attention upon arrival is crucial. Upon receiving your boxelder maple tree bare-root, it’s best to plant it as soon as possible. If immediate planting isn’t feasible, keep the roots moist by wrapping them in damp newspaper or peat moss and storing them in a cool, dark place. Before planting, soak the roots in water for a few hours.

Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade; while it tolerates some shade, optimal growth occurs with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The Acer Negundo tree is highly adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining soil. It can tolerate both wet and dry conditions, but consistently waterlogged soil should be avoided. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the spread of the roots without bending them, and deep enough so that the root collar (where the roots meet the trunk) is at or slightly above ground level. Backfill with soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Consistent watering during the first year after planting is vital for root establishment, especially during dry spells. Once established, the tree is quite drought-tolerant.

Regarding fertilization, a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to encourage vigorous growth, especially in nutrient-poor soils. However, established Boxelder Maples rarely require heavy fertilization. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and to shape the tree. Be aware that the Boxelder Maple can be susceptible to certain pests like boxelder bugs and aphids, and diseases like cankers. Regular inspection and appropriate preventative measures can help manage these issues. Understanding boxelder tree care will allow you to enjoy this robust tree for many years.

Size & Details

This product includes 2 boxelder maple tree bare-root plants. Bare-root trees are dormant plants shipped without soil around their roots, which is an efficient and cost-effective method for shipping deciduous trees. Upon planting, these bare-root specimens will quickly awaken and begin to establish their root systems and foliage. The typical height of these bare-root trees upon arrival will vary but generally ranges from 1 to 3 feet, allowing for easy handling and planting. The Boxelder Maple is known for its fast growth rate, often putting on several feet of growth per year once established. Mature trees can reach heights of 50-70 feet with a similar spread, forming a broad, rounded canopy. The expected time to reach a significant shade-providing size is relatively short compared to many other maple varieties, making the Acer Negundo tree an excellent investment for quick landscape impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these Boxelder Maple trees get? A: Once mature, a boxelder maple tree bare-root can reach heights of 50-70 feet with a spread of 30-50 feet, providing substantial shade and canopy. Their fast-growing nature means they achieve these sizes relatively quickly.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Boxelder Maple is an outdoor tree, best suited for large landscapes, parks, and naturalized areas. It is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For optimal growth, the Acer Negundo tree prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) but can tolerate partial shade.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, boxelder tree care is generally considered low maintenance. It’s a very adaptable and hardy tree, making it suitable for beginner gardeners once established.
• Q: What condition will the bare-root trees arrive in? A: The trees will arrive dormant and bare-root, meaning they will not have soil around their roots. Their roots will be packed to retain moisture, ensuring they are ready for planting upon arrival.
• Q: When is the best time to plant a bare-root Boxelder Maple? A: The ideal time to plant a boxelder maple tree bare-root is in early spring, after the last hard frost, but before the tree begins to leaf out. Fall planting is also possible in some regions.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The Boxelder Maple is highly cold-hardy, typically thriving in USDA Zones 2-9. It is well-adapted to survive cold winters in most of the US.
• Q: Can I use the wood from an Acer Negundo tree? A: Historically, the soft wood of the Acer Negundo tree has been used for making boxes and other minor wood products. While not a primary timber tree, it has some utility.
• Q: Are Boxelder Maples prone to pests? A: Like many trees, Boxelder Maples can be susceptible to pests such as boxelder bugs. However, proper boxelder tree care and regular inspection can help manage these issues effectively.
• Q: What type of soil does the Boxelder Maple prefer? A: This tree is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as it is well-draining. It tolerates both wet and dry conditions.